Uglies are deliciously imperfect cookies that live up to their name in the best way — rustic, crinkly, and full of rich flavor. They may not look fancy, but one bite reveals chewy chocolate goodness packed with nuts, bits of dried fruit, and a soft center. These cookies are quick to make and perfect for when you want something homemade, cozy, and full of texture.
1. Cooking Time: 25 minutes
2. Serving: 20 cookies
3. Ingredients:
-
1 cup all-purpose flour
-
½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
-
½ teaspoon baking soda
-
¼ teaspoon salt
-
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
-
½ cup brown sugar
-
½ cup white sugar
-
2 large eggs
-
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
-
1 cup mixed nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds, roughly chopped)
-
½ cup chocolate chips or chunks
-
½ cup dried fruit (raisins, cranberries, or chopped dates)
4. Instructions:
-
Preheat oven: Set to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
-
Mix dry ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
-
Cream butter and sugars: In a large bowl, beat butter, brown sugar, and white sugar until creamy.
-
Add eggs and vanilla: Mix in the eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract.
-
Combine: Add the dry mixture into the wet ingredients and stir until just blended.
-
Add the mix-ins: Fold in the nuts, chocolate chips, and dried fruit. The dough will be thick and slightly sticky.
-
Scoop and bake: Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared sheet, leaving space between cookies. Bake for 10–12 minutes until edges are set but centers are soft.
-
Cool: Let the cookies rest on the sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a rack to cool completely.
5. Nutrition (per cookie):
-
Calories: 180
-
Protein: 3g
-
Fat: 9g
-
Carbohydrates: 23g
-
Fiber: 2g
-
Sugar: 14g
6. Tips:
-
Don’t overbake — the centers should stay soft for a chewy texture.
-
You can swap nuts for seeds if you prefer a nut-free version.
-
Add a sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking for a sweet-salty touch.
-
Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
-
For extra flavor, stir in a spoonful of espresso powder or a hint of cinnamon.
